Search

Abstract Background The histopathological analysis of minor salivary gland biopsies, particularly through the quantification of the Focus Score (FS), is pivotal in the diagnostic workflow for Sjögren's Syndrome (SS). AI-based image recognition using deep learning models has demonstrated potential in enhancing diagnostic accuracy and efficiency in preclinical research. Objectives The primary aim of this investigation was to utilize an auto-machine learning (autoML) platform for the automated segmentation and quantification of FS on histopathological slides, aiming to augment diagnostic precision and speed in SS. Methods A cohort comprising 86 patients with sicca syndrome (37 diagnosed with SS based on the 2016 ACR/EULAR Classification Criteria and 49 non-SS) was selected for an in-depth histological examination. A repository of 172 slides (two per patient) was assembled, encompassing 74 slides meeting the classificatory thresholds for SS (FS ≥ 1, indicative of lymphocytic infiltration) and 98 slides showcasing normal salivary gland histology. The autoML platform utilized (Giotto, L2F, Lausanne Switzerland) employed a Convolutional Neural Network (CNN) architecture (ResNet-152) for the training and validation phases, using a dataset of 172 slides. Results The developed model exhibited a reliability score of 0.88, proficiently distinguishing SS cases, with a sensitivity of 89.47% (95% CI: 66.86% to 98.70%) and a specificity of 88.24% (95% CI: 63.56% to 98.54%). The model found histological slides of suboptimal quality (e.g., those compromised during fixation or staining processes) to be the most challenging for accurate classification. Conclusion AutoML platforms offer a rapid and flexible approach to developing machine learning models, even with smaller datasets, as demonstrated in this study for SS. These platforms hold significant potential for enhancing diagnostic precision and efficiency in both clinical and research settings. Multicentric studies with larger patient cohorts are essential for thorough evaluation and validation of this innovative diagnostic approach.

Abstract Salivary gland squamous cell carcinomas (SG-SCCs) constitute a rare type of head and neck cancer which is linked to poor prognosis. Due to their low frequency, the molecular mechanisms responsible for their aggressiveness are poorly understood. In this work we studied the role of the phosphatase DUSP1, a negative regulator of MAPK activity, in controlling SG-SCC progression. We generated DUSP1 KO clones in A253 human cells. These clones showed a reduced ability to grow in 2D, self-renew in ECM matrices and to form tumors in immunodeficient mice. This was caused by an overactivation of the stress and apoptosis kinase JNK1/2 in DUSP1 −/+ clones. Interestingly, RNAseq analysis revealed that the expression of SOX2, a well-known self-renewal gene was decreased at the mRNA and protein levels in DUSP1 −/+ cells. Unexpectedly, CRISPR-KO of SOX2 did not recapitulate DUSP1 −/+ phenotype, and SOX2-null cells had an enhanced ability to self-renew and to form tumors in mice. Gene expression analysis demonstrated that SOX2-null cells have a decreased squamous differentiation profile -losing TP63 expression- and an increased migratory phenotype, with an enhanced epithelial to mesenchymal transition signature. In summary, our data indicates that DUSP1 and SOX2 have opposite functions in SG-SCC, being DUSP1 necessary for tumor growth and SOX2 dispensable showing a tumor suppressor function. Our data suggest that the combined expression of SOX2 and DUSP1 could be a useful biomarker to predict progression in patients with SG-SCCs.

La Educación Física (EF) es una materia con gran valor pedagógico y formativo. Sin embargo, la Administración puede encorsetarla en un utilitarismo contra la inactividad física y el sobrepeso. Esta podría haber sido la principal razón de la implantación con la LOMLOE de tres sesiones de EF a la semana. Sin embargo, existen centros que dan gran importancia a esta asignatura, con una amplia visión y con una larga tradición de impartir EF diariamente. Este estudio cualitativo exploró el enfoque y el encaje legislativo de la EF en una institución escolar privada de la Comunidad de Madrid, con las etapas de infantil a bachillerato, con una sesión diaria de EF en un estudio de caso mediante las percepciones y experiencias del profesorado de EF y de otras materias. En este centro ampliaron la duración de los recreos y los destinaron a impartir EF de forma diaria, dejando a un lado la concepción habitual del recreo. Los docentes entrevistados coincidieron en que la EF es fundamental para el desarrollo integral del alumnado: hábitos saludables, rendimiento académico, bienestar, satisfacción con la EF, etc. Sin embargo, también indicaron el mayor riesgo de lesiones y desafíos organizativos, económicos y logísticos. No obstante, se expuso que el encaje legislativo de una EF diaria es sumamente viable. Considerando la situación actual, las instituciones escolares y el profesorado de EF tienen la oportunidad de demostrar la importancia y pertinencia de la EF más allá de su utilidad contra la obesidad y el sedentarismo.

Orange processing generates peel by-products rich in phenolic compounds, particularly flavanones like hesperidin and narirutin, offering potential health benefits. Utilizing these by-products is of significant interest in supporting Spain’s circular bioeconomy. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate the fermentation of orange peels by different lactic acid bacteria (LAB) strains and its impact on phenolic composition and antioxidant activity. Three different LAB strains, two Lactiplantibacillus plantarum, and one Levilactobacillus brevis were utilized. The phenolic compounds were measured by HPLC-ESI-TOF-MS, and antioxidant activity was assessed using DPPH and ABTS methods. The growth of the LAB strains varied, showing initial increases followed by gradual declines, with strain-specific patterns observed. Medium acidification occurred during fermentation. A phenolic analysis revealed an 11% increase in phenolic acids in peels fermented by La. plantarum CECT 9567-C4 after 24 h, attributed to glycosylation by LAB enzymes. The flavonoid content exhibited diverse trends, with Le. brevis showing an 8% increase. The antioxidant assays demonstrated strain- and time-dependent variations. Positive correlations were found between antioxidant activity and total phenolic compounds. The results underscore the importance of bacterial selection and fermentation time for tailored phenolic composition and antioxidant activity in orange peel extracts. LAB fermentation, particularly with La. plantarum CECT 9567 and Le. brevis, holds promise for enhancing the recovery of phenolic compounds and augmenting antioxidant activity in orange peels, suggesting potential applications in food and beverage processing.

El objetivo de este trabajo es medir la relación entre variaciones del tipo de interés y las de los precios y transacciones en el mercado de vivienda en España. Partimos de la hipótesis, argumentada mediante una revisión selectiva de la literatura, que hay una relación negativa entre la variable tipo de interés y las dos que consideramos. Utilizamos datos trimestrales desde 1995 a la actualidad de precios de vivienda (euros por metro cuadrado) y el tipo hipotecario de final del trimestre, obteniendo una relación causal negativa entre ambas variables. Para seguir la evolución temporal de la relación tomamos de uno a cuatro trimestres de retardo, encontrando que la correlación es más fuerte conforme pasa el tiempo. Justificamos trabajar con modelos univariantes por un problema de cointegración cuando se toman diferentes variables para explicar el comportamiento de los precios. La relación entre tipo de interés y transacciones totales está limitada por ser la serie más corta, y encontramos una relación positiva sin significado para todo el período, y una negativa muy explicativa, para un periodo seleccionado. La literatura sobre el tema muestra que el tipo de interés no tiene el mismo impacto en el precio de la vivienda a un nivel general que cuando se estudian mercados locales, con factores diferenciados de oferta y demanda de vivienda; calculamos algunos casos del mercado español y añadimos nuevos resultados a la investigación. Se realiza una extensa revisión de la relación entre el tipo de interés, o un concepto más amplio de política monetaria, y vivienda, de la cual emergen variables como condiciones de crédito y el mecanismo de transmisión de la política monetaria del banco central hacia el sector inmobiliario. El trabajo confirma la hipótesis general de la efectividad del tipo de interés como una herramienta de política monetaria para corregir desequilibrios en el mercado inmobiliario, la relevancia de los mercados locales en cuanto a correlaciones más fuertes entre nivel de precios y tipo de interés, y el peculiar ajuste de la vivienda en el mercado español en cantidades y precios.

RESUMEN Introducción: En diciembre de 2019, se detectaron los primeros casos de enfermedad respiratoria causada por un coronavirus emergente, al que se denominó SARS-CoV-2, que en los primeros meses de 2020 se ha extendido por todo el mundo con características de pandemia. Método: Se examinaron las publicaciones más relevantes en relación con los objetivos de la revisión. Resultados: La enfermedad, conocida como COVID-19, cursa con tos, fiebre y dificultad respiratoria. Las formas más graves, que afectan principalmente a personas de edad avanzada y con determinadas comorbilidades, se manifiestan por afectación de la función respiratoria, que requiere ventilación mecánica, y síndrome de respuesta inflamatoria sistémica, que puede conducir a un choque séptico con fallo multiorgánico, y altas tasas de mortalidad. En esta revisión se examina el estado actual de conocimientos sobre las características y origen del SARS-CoV-2, su replicación, y la patogénesis, clínica, diagnóstico, tratamiento y prevención de COVID-19. Conclusiones: Las características del SARS-CoV-2 y la clínica de COVID-19 son bien conocidas. La PCR es la técnica de referencia para el diagnóstico de laboratorio; se dispone de ensayos para detección de antígenos y de anticuerpos, con margen de optimización. Los protocolos de tratamiento incluyen la corrección de la respuesta inflamatoria sistémica y administración de agentes antivirales. Existen vacunas en desarrollo.

Avocado seeds, a common waste in the avocado processing industry, have been found to have several bioactivities, such as anticancer, antimicrobial, hypocholesterolemic, antioxidant, and antidiabetic activities, among others. Nowadays, this wastage is causing an environmental problem, so the use of new technologies to take advantage of it is a novel field of research. In this study, the submerged fermentation by lactic acid bacteria was used as a novel tool for improving the bioactive compound extraction from avocado seeds. Avocado seeds were fermented by different strains, their polar compounds were identified and quantified by HPLC-ESI-TOF-MS, the antioxidant activity was measured by DPPH and FRAP assays, and the antidiabetic activity was analyzed by the alpha-amylase assay. A total of 32 polar compounds were identified, with 13 of them being described in avocado seeds for the first time. Avocado seeds fermented by Pentosaceus acidilactici showed the highest sum of polar compounds (6279.63 ± 67.74 µg/g d.w.), and by extension, of hydroxytyrosol glucoside (2989.76 ± 3.64 µg/g d.w.). Lactiplantibacillus plantarum CECT 9567 showed the highest antioxidant activity measured by both DPPH and FRAP assays (6294.67 ± 19.44 and 6846.91 ± 2.13 µg TE/g d.w., respectively). Furthermore, Lactiplantibacillus plantarum CECT 748T had the highest antidiabetic activity (52.15% ± 0.67% inhibition of alpha-amylase activity), attributable to the polyphenols. According to the results, submerged fermentation by lactic acid bacteria led to an interesting increase of the polar compounds’ extractability of avocado seeds, consequently improving the bioactivities of the extracts, which could then be used for food nutraceutical or cosmetic purposes.

El presente artículo es de carácter argumentativo se fundamenta en bases teóricas y revisión bibliográfica, el estudio descriptivo está direccionado en el aporte estratégico didáctico para la producción de textos literarios narrativos. Para profundizar la investigación se utilizaron los métodos de análisis de contenidos y hermenéutico. La información recabada permite llegar a la conclusión que existen diferentes estrategias didácticas a través de las cuales se puede abordar y lograr la producción de textos; sin embargo, las estrategias utilizadas en las aulas tienen poca participación para mejorar la organización de ideas y coherencia narrativa.

The growing global consumption of avocados, associated with contents including bioactive compounds with numerous health-promoting properties, is producing a large amount of agro wastes around the world. Different management approaches are available for the recovery of bioactive compounds from wastes as potential ingredients for use in the production of functional foods and nutraceuticals. Lactic acid fermentation can be used to exploit nutritional potential and add value to agro wastes. In this study, fermentations with lactic acid bacteria were carried out in avocado leaves, and the total phenolic content and the antioxidant activity were determined by DPPH and FRAP assays from hydroalcoholic extracts obtained from fermented avocado leaves. Fifteen new phenolic compounds were identified for the first time in avocado leaves by HPLC-ESI-TOF-MS. L. plantarum CECT 748T and P. pentosaceus CECT 4695T showed the highest antioxidant activity. The sum of phenolic compounds was increased by 71, 62, 55 and 21% in fermentations with P. pentosaceus CECT 4695T, L. brevis CECT 5354, P. acidilactici CECT 5765T and L. plantarum CECT 9567, respectively, while it was reduced in the fermentation with L. plantarum 748T by 21% as demonstrated by HPLC-ESI-TOF-MS. Biotransformations induced by bacterial metabolism modified the phenolic compound profile of avocado leaves in a strain-specific-dependent manner. P. pentosaceus CECT 4695T significantly increased kaempferol, P. pentosaceus 4695T, L. brevis 5354 and L. plantarum 9567 increased rutin, and dihydro-p-coumaric acid was increased by the five selected lactic acid bacteria. Total flavonoids were highly increased after fermentations with the five selected lactic acid bacteria but flavonoid glucosides were decreased by L. plantarum 748T, which was related to its higher antioxidant activity. Our results suggest that lactic acid bacteria led the hydrolysis of compounds by enzymatic activity such as glycosidases or decarboxylase and the release of phenolics bound to the plant cell wall, thus improving their bioavailability.

Objetivo: El objetivo de esta investigación es analizar el uso y frecuencia con la que seis grandes empresas españolas emplean elementos ajenos al mensaje textual, como hashtags, menciones, emoticonos, hipervínculos, vídeos e imágenes, en Twitter. Diseño/metodología/enfoque: Para ello se ha realizado un análisis cuantitativo de los tuits corporativos publicados por las mencionadas empresas durante un periodo de tiempo de veinte días con una muestra de 440 publicaciones. Resultados: La investigación pone de manifiesto la importancia que tienen estos elementos en la comunicación corporativa realizada por estas seis empresas y demuestra que los emoticonos, hashtags e hipervínculos son los más empleados en sus publicaciones de Twitter. Los resultados también confirman el uso más recurrente que hacen de cinco combinaciones de hashtags, menciones, emoticonos, hipervínculos, vídeos e imágenes en sus perfiles de Twitter. Limitaciones/implicaciones: Los resultados contrastan con investigaciones previas e indican una posible evolución temporal o particularidad geográfica en el uso de los mencionados elementos dentro de la comunicación corporativa de estas empresas. También demuestran la escasa presencia de los elementos audiovisuales en sus tuits corporativos, a pesar de su alto potencial de interacción con los usuarios. Originalidad/contribución: Esta investigación es pionera en analizar el uso que hacen estas seis compañías de elementos como hashtags, menciones, emoticonos, hipervínculos, vídeos e imágenes en los tuits corporativos dentro del ámbito geográfico español.

Socrative es una herramienta digital de evaluación formativa que permite al docente crear itinerarios de aprendizaje a través de preguntas, introducir feedback que aparezca inmediatamente al responder y conocer el progreso de los estudiantes. En este artículo se expone una experiencia docente para la enseñanza de contenidos relacionados con las actividades físicas en el medio natural (AFMN) en el grado en Ciencias de la Actividad Física y del Deporte. Se fomentó el aprendizaje y la autorregulación a través de cuatro formas de feedback. Se recogieron datos sobre la percepción de la herramienta por parte de 30 estudiantes que la utilizaron en varias ocasiones a lo largo de la asignatura. Se empleó el cuestionario sobre la experiencia de buena práctica de la Red de Evaluación Formativa y Compartida en Educación (REFYCE), basado en el cuestionario validado sobre metodología y evaluación en formación inicial de profesorado (Castejón Oliva, Santos Pastor, & Palacios Picos, 2015), junto a dos preguntas abiertas. Los resultados mostraron una gran satisfacción con esta actividad de aprendizaje, correlacionada con su valoración sobre la ayuda que recibieron de sus compañeros. Se presentan implicaciones pedagógicas relacionadas con la creación de grupos de alumnos para la realización de la actividad y sus distintos niveles, la dificultad, orden y naturaleza de las preguntas, el tipo de feedback introducido y el diseño de la tarea para un correcto andamiaje que fomente la autorregulación del aprendizaje. Abstract. Socrative is a formative assessment digital tool that allows the teacher to create learning itineraries through questions, introduce feedback that appears immediately when answering, and check the students' progress. This article presents a teaching experience for the instruction of contents related to physical activities in the natural environment in the degree in Physical Activity and Sport Sciences. Learning and self-regulation were encouraged through four forms of feedback. Data were collected on the perception of the tool by 30 students who used it on several occasions throughout the course. The questionnaire on good practice experience of the Spanish Network for Formative and Shared Evaluation in Education, based on the validated questionnaire on methodology and assessment in initial teacher training (Castejón Oliva et al., 2015), was used together with two open questions. The results showed high satisfaction with this learning activity, correlated with the appreciation of the assistance students received from their peers. Pedagogical implications are presented related to creating groups of students to carry out the activity and its different levels of performance, the difficulty, order and nature of the questions, the type of feedback introduced and the design of the task for a correct scaffolding that promotes self-regulated learning.

Esta investigación busca valorar la percepción del impacto que tiene la implementación de experiencias innovadoras de evaluación formativa en el desarrollo de las competencias, así como analizar si existen diferencias en el desarrollo de éstas entre un curso académico y otro. Se contó con 40 experiencias de evaluación formativa en la etapa universitaria. Se empleó un cuestionario con tres escalas de competencias previamente validado que era cumplimentado por el alumnado antes y después de la experiencia de evaluación formativa. De las 45 competencias estudiadas sólo 10 no presentan diferencias significativas entre la valoración final y la inicial; además, no se registran diferencias significativas en la percepción de desarrollo de las competencias estudiadas entre un curso académico y otro.

Research groups have been traditionally described as functional units that primarily focus on scientific research processes and academic production. However, these definitions do not generally consider the team and individual dynamics that take place during their life cycle. This study aims to propose a theory of the life cycle of research groups, identify the motivational aspects of its members, and (based on that) provide elements to create a new definition. For this purpose, a qualitative study analyzed information collected in 2014 and 2015 from a self-evaluation process of the group Psicología y Salud in which teachers and research professionals participated. The process applied information collection techniques such as surveys with open questions, focus groups and a qualitative interview. Said strategies enabled to obtain significant data that were later analyzed and categorized based on elements of the Grounded Theory. Three types of motivations to join the group were identified and a life cycle model was proposed. Finally, we suggest a comprehensive definition that recognizes research groups as human and social spaces that transcend scientific productivity. These results can provide institutions and said groups with tools to develop comprehensive policies and strategies focused on human talent in research and aimed at knowledge management.

A sonotrode ultrasound-assisted extraction of phenolic compounds from olive leaves has been developed using a Box–Behnken design to optimize the effects of solvent composition and ultrasound parameters. The determination of single phenolic compounds was performed by HPLC–MS and the highest recovery in total compounds, oleuropein and hydroxytyrosol was achieved using EtOH/H2O (55:45, v/v), 8 min and 100% of amplitude. The optimal conditions were applied on leaves from seven olive cultivars grown under the same conditions and the results were compared with those found by using a conventional ultrasonic bath, obtaining no statistical differences. Moreover, antioxidant activity by FRAP, DPPH and ABTS in these olive leaf extracts was evaluated and they exhibited a significant correlation with oleuropein and total phenolic content. All cultivars of olive leaf extracts were found to be active against S. aureus and methicillin-resistant S. aureus with minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) values) that ranged from 5.5 to 22.5 mg mL−1. No extracts showed antimicrobial activity against C. albicans. The percentages of mycelium reduction in B. cinerea ranged from 2.2 and 18.1%. Therefore, sonotrode could be considered as an efficient and fast extraction technique that could be easily scaled-up at industrial level, thus allowing for olive leaves to be revalorized.

In the field of food preservation, encapsulated Essential Oils (EOs) could be the best non-toxic and eco-friendly tool for food preservative applications substituting the chemicals ones that have several disadvantages for the environment and health. Thirteen commercial EOs from plants, fruits, and vegetables were characterized by GC-MS. The antioxidant activity was measured by DPPH and ABTS techniques. Antimicrobial activity was assessed by agar well-diffusion method and the Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) by agar dilution method against six bacteria, Candida albicans, and Botrytis cinerea. All the EOs tested have demonstrated antioxidant activity in the range of IC50 0.01–105.32 mg/mL. Between them, cinnamon EOs were the best, followed by oregano and thyme EOs. Fennel EO showed the lowest radical scavenging. MIC values ranged from 0.14 to 9 mg/mL. C. cassia, thyme, and oregano EOs were the most effective against the bacterial species tested, and the yeast C. albicans. On the contrary, citric fruit EOs showed low or no inhibition against most bacterial strains. The percentages of inhibition of mycelia growth of B. cinerea ranged from 3.4 to 98.5%. Thyme, oregano, mint, and fennel EOs showed the highest inhibition.

Reseña científica del libro Minificción y nanofilología. Latitudes de la hiperbrevedad, editado por Ana Rueda. En la obra participan una decena de autores e investigadores que abordan distintos aspectos del microrrelato Iberoamericano: desde la creación pasando por la difusión hasta la evolución histórica de la literatura breve.

Abstract We have previously reported that administration of Lactobacillus paracasei CNCM I-4034, Bifidobacterium breve CNCM I-4035 and Lactobacillus rhamnosus CNCM I-4036 to obese Zucker-Lepr fa/fa rats attenuates liver steatosis and exerts anti-inflammatory effects. The goal of the present work was to investigate the modulation of gene expression in intestinal mucosa samples of obese Zucker-Lepr fa/fa rats fed the probiotic strains using a DNA microarray and postgenomic techniques. We also measured secretory IgA content in the gut and lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-binding protein (LBP) in serum. Expression of three genes (Adamdec1, Ednrb and Ptgs1/Cox1) was up-regulated in the intestinal mucosa of the obese rats compared with that in the rats when they were still lean. Probiotic administration down-regulated expression of Adamdec1 and Ednrb at the mRNA and protein levels and that of Ptgs1/Cox1 at the mRNA level, and this effect was in part mediated by a decrease in both macrophage and dendritic cell populations. Probiotic treatment also increased secretory IgA content and diminished the LBP concentration. Based on results reported in this work and else where, we propose a possible mechanism of action for these bacterial strains.

Entrevista al escritor Rubén Abella, acompañada de una semblanza, realizada por Ana Calvo Revilla